Pair of Original Civil War Battle Order Reports – Field-Written and Linked to Active Engagement

$1,200.00

Pair of Original Civil War Battle Order Reports – Field-Written and Linked to Active Engagement - Inventory Number: DOC 399

Exceptional pair of original manuscript Civil War battle order reports, each written in period ink and detailing the positioning and actions of Union forces in the field.

Rich with content, these reports are perfect for researchers, collectors of battlefield documentation, or institutions looking to preserve original war correspondence. Well-preserved and beautifully scripted, they serve as a compelling duo that brings the administrative side of the Civil War vividly to life.

Battle Report Signed by Brig. Gen. John Gibbon – Action of August 30, 1862 (Second Manassas)

Headquarters, Gibbon’s Brigade – Camp near Upton’s Hill, VA – Sept. 3, 1862

Outstanding original two-page Civil War battle report handwritten and signed by Brigadier General John Gibbon, detailing his brigade’s actions during the Battle of Second Manassas (August 30, 1862).

Addressed to Capt. R. Chandler, A.A.G. of King’s Division, Gibbon gives a vivid, detailed narrative of the deployment, engagement, and retreat of his brigade during a pivotal moment of the campaign. He notes coordination under the command of Gen. John Pope, difficulties of maneuvering in thick woods, and the bravery of units like the 19th Indiana, 2nd Wisconsin, and supporting artillery.

Highlights include:

• Mentions of intense fighting and gallant conduct under fire

• Praise for officers such as Col. Meredith and Capt. Macon

• Gibbon personally commends his men for their discipline, describing the “gallant and effective fire” of Gibbon’s Battery

• Casualty report at the end:

• Killed: 16

• Wounded: 68

• Missing: 36

• Total loss: 120

Clean and legible, folded with minor age toning. Ink remains bold. Signed in full, “John Gibbon, Brig. Genl. Comdg. 1st Brig.”

A significant firsthand account from one of the most respected Union officers of the war, Gibbon would go on to command divisions at Gettysburg and later Appomattox. A powerful addition to any Civil War manuscript or military archive.

Head Quarters Gibbon’s Brigade

Camp Nr Upton’s Hill, Va. Sept 3rd 1862

Capt. R. Chandler

A.A.G. King’s Division

Sir:

I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my Brigade during the action of the 30th of Augt.

The Division was placed under the orders of Major Genl Fitz John Porter, to aid in the pursuit of the enemy who were supposed to be retreating on the Warrenton Turnpike. This Brigade was formed in two lines and entered the woods on the right of the turnpike in the rear of Patrick’s. My rear line was afterward moved to the right by order of Genl Porter, and the whole Brigade moved forward in one line, the 6th Wis on the right, then the 19th Indiana and the 2nd & 7th consolidated on the left.

Fire was soon after opened by the enemy and the fight continued actively until we were ordered to retire, which we did slowly and in good order. The wood being thick, the communication between the different commands was difficult. My legs got separated, some doubt appeared to exist as to whether the order to retire had been given, and while waiting for its detection, all the rest of the troops retired, followed by the enemy, and when I got out with the 6th Wis none of our troops were in the vicinity. Captain C.H. Mason my A.D.C. while gallantly making an examination to ascertain the presence of the enemy on our left was wounded by three gun shots.

After leaving the woods, the Brigade was formed to support Gibbon’s and another Battery engaged in repelling an attack on our left and center. It behaved here with its usual gallantry and although subjected to a severe cross fire of both infantry and artillery, successfully beat back the enemy. It retired in excellent order on my receiving orders to that effect from Major Genl Porter.

The commanding officers, Col. Meredith 19th Indiana, Lt. Col. Fairchild 2nd Wis, commanding 2nd & 7th Wis consolidated, Lt. Col. Bragg 6th Wis and Capt. Campbell commanding Gibbon’s Battery, by their prompt and energetic execution of my orders, merit the highest commendation, while the steadiness and discipline of the officers and men were most admirable, and I have great cause to be proud of the Brigade I have the honor to command.

The Brigade was detailed by Genl McDowell to act as rear guard during the retreat, and they were in consequence the last troops to leave the field.

The coolness and efficiency of fire exhibited by Gibbon’s Battery under its gallant commander won the admiration of all, and the battery did most excellent service throughout the day.

I am, Sir

Very Respectfully

Your obt. Servt.

(signed) John Gibbon

Brig. Genl. Comdg. 1st Brig.

P.S. The total loss by the Brigade during the action was:

• Killed – 16

• Wounded – 68

• Missing – 36

• Total – 120

Comes housed in 12 x 16 riker display case with blue velvet and descriptive card.

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